NEW ROCHELLE, NY — The New Rochelle Board of Education has approved the relocation of its alternative high school, Huguenot Academy, to leased space at Monroe College’s New Rochelle campus. The relocation of the Academy, currently located next to the library at New Rochelle High School, will provide more spacious accommodations for faculty and students and open up partnership opportunities with Monroe College.
The new space, at 140 Huguenot St., was selected for its location, accessibility, amenities, and potential. The 16,500-square-foot space has potential for Huguenot Academy enrollment to grow from its current 72 students to 200. Areas will include space for core classes, physical education, computer labs, study hall, and a multipurpose room. Meals will be provided by the school district’s food services department.
The specifications for the Huguenot Academy were developed by the District-Wide Healthy and Safety Committee in early 2021 and delivered to the Superintendent and School Board President in June 2021. The committee based its work on voluminous public input and the work of a high school committee run by Huguenot Academy Director Andrea Schwach. A full list of participants is here.
“Finding a suitable home for Huguenot Academy has been a school district priority for a long time,” said City School District of New Rochelle Superintendent Jonathan Raymond. “After visiting several possible sites, I’m very pleased that we were able to identify and secure this outstanding educational facility.” He added, “Our students, faculty, and staff will enjoy an enriching environment conducive to teaching and learning, and benefit from being co-located on a college campus.”
Monroe College awards associate and bachelor’s degrees and operates a main campus in the Bronx. Academic partnerships with the college are being explored, and the site’s proximity to businesses and public transportation should be advantageous to students seeking part-time jobs.
“We are delighted to provide a home for the Huguenot Academy on our campus,” said Marc Jerome, President of Monroe College. “We have been a proud member of the New Rochelle community for nearly 40 years and are happy to share our classroom facilities so that in-person learning can resume for these deserving students.”
Now that the Board of Education has approved the lease at Monroe College through June 30, 2023, details of the transition, and timing of when classes will begin at the new location, will soon be finalized and communicated with the students and families affected.
The effort to relocate the alternative high school began in 2017 under Superintendent Dr. Brian Osborne at the direction of then Assistant Superintendent for Business & Administration Jeff White.
Controversy broke out in March 2020, after a tawdry backroom deal involving former school board candidate David Peters, then-Board President Amy Moselhi, and then-Superintendent Dr. Laura Feijóo, was made public by Talk of the Sound. The deal was to relocate the Alternative High School from the former St. Gabes School to Bethesda Baptist Church’s Family Life Center. The facility was entirely unsuitable but did offer Peters’ the opportunity to flow public funds to a church where he is a Deacon.
The deal was presented as a temporary, short-term relocation because the New Rochelle municipal government would imminently relocate to 44 Harrison Street, a proposed development that would be built atop the site of Fire Station #1 on Harrison Street and 140 Huguenot Street. That plan has been stalled for years due to eminent domain issues.
There is no small irony that the Huguenot Academy is relocating to the site of what was to be the future home of New Rochelle City Hall.
UPDATE: 11/5/21 (from Dr. Dagoberto Artiles, Principal, New Rochelle High School)
Progress Update on moving Huguenot Academy to Monroe College.
The space, located at 140 Huguenot St., has all internet and phone systems up and running. The desks in the offices and classrooms have all been set up, and all interactive smart boards, printers, and an office copier are all installed and functioning. Teachers are currently working on setting up their classrooms.
A fire inspection by the New Rochelle Fire Department has been completed; security cameras and access systems will begin to be installed early next week. Work continues on air conditioning system upgrades, fire system items (such as additional horns and strobes), and other general compliance needs.
Work continues toward the requirements to get a “Certificate of Occupancy” from the New York State Education Department. Such a certificate is different from that required by colleges, and must be received prior to students occupying the space.
“We still do not know the exact timing of when students will begin to take classes in the new space, but we will continue to keep you apprised every few days as we work with local and state agencies to complete all requirements,” said Artiles. “Until we are cleared to operate in the new space, classes will continue to be given remotely by your teachers.”
RELATED:
New Rochelle School Officials Mum on Reported Move of Alternative High School
New Rochelle High School Alternative Campus Facilities Specifications: The Huguenot Academy
New Rochelle BOE Discussion on Relocation of Campus School Part I: Acrimony and Blame Shifting
New Rochelle BOE Discussion on Relocation of Campus School Part II: Proximity
New Rochelle BOE Discussion on Relocation of Campus School Part III: AP Courses
New Rochelle BOE Discussion on Relocation of Campus School Part IV: Security at St. Gabes
New Rochelle BOE Discussion on Relocation of Campus School Part V: St. Gabes Building Condition
New Rochelle BOE Discussion on Relocation of Campus School Part VI: Phony Photos and Contrived FAQ
New Rochelle BOE Discussion on Relocation of Campus School Part VIII: Remaining Questions